When will I get my period after my baby is born?

Whether and how much you're breastfeeding are the main factors that affect how soon you'll start menstruating again. But every woman's body and circumstances are different, so there's no reliable way to predict exactly when you'll get your first postpartum period.

The time frames below are just approximations of when you might start having your period again. If you're wondering whether your situation is normal, check with your doctor to make sure things are on track.

Nursing moms: One benefit of breastfeeding is that it can delay your period. If you've been breastfeeding exclusively, day and night, since you had your baby it can take six months or longer before you have to run to the store for tampons, suffer from PMS, or cope with cramps.

But the less often your baby nurses, the sooner your period may come back. So if your baby sleeps through the night from an early age, or if you're supplementing with formula, it's likely your period will return sooner than six months.

Note: Breastfeeding is no guarantee ovulation will stop. The information above describes the general pattern of postpartum periods, but breastfeeding's effects on menstruation vary widely. Some women who breastfeed exclusively around the clock may start menstruating a month after giving birth, while others who supplement with formula may not get their period for several months.

Non-nursing moms: If you're formula-feeding your baby, you'll probably start menstruating one to three months after delivering your child. If you don't get your period by three months postpartum, talk to your doctor. She may want to check for secondary amenorrhea (that's when women with previously normal cycles don't have a period for three months), pregnancy, or other issues.

All moms: Keep in mind that your body will release its first postpartum egg before you menstruate. So if you don't start using birth control as soon as you start having sex again, you can get pregnant even before having your first period. If you're breastfeeding, don't be misled by the myth that you're not fertile – many a nursing mother has been surprised by an unplanned pregnancy.

Don't be alarmed if your menstrual flow comes back heavier or lighter than it was before you became a mom. You may also find that your cycles are irregular at first.

If your periods don't become more regular after a few months, or if you've had very heavy periods for more than two or three cycles (meaning you're soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row), let your doctor know. She may want to check for uterine or hormonal issues.

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